Post navigation

Race recap: 2018 Gazelle Girl 10k

I am so overjoyed right now, so I’ll be starting with results first and then doing a run thorough of the day 😂. After working towards this seriously since last year, I finally broke a 9-min mile for a 10k! 🙌 Official time was: 53:10.07 (8:33 pace). It was such an unbelievable feeling crossing the finish line knowing I smashed my goals! My main goal was the sub-9 min. mile, and I also set a 54:40 goal time.

I went to the ‘Expotique’ with my mom, who also ran the 10k, on Saturday. It was a fun day! We picked up our race packets and I did a little shopping at the Gazelle Sports merchandise area…ended up breaking my “nothing new on race day” rule and got two new items that I wore for the race. The good news is that they were comfortable and I didn’t have any wardrobe issues. 👍

I ended up doing an Instagram takeover for Gazelle Sports, so that started at 5:30am with my alarm! I had my alarm set to play The Champion by Carrie Underwood 😂. It’s my “get pumped” song 🤷‍♀️.

This was my race day gear all ready to go! (Except my ProCompression low socks, and Michigan headband).

I shared this on the Gazelle Sports Instagram Stories, but my usual go-to after a hard run is this BCAA plant based protein smoothie below. I have to limit these and use organic hemp protein powder instead occasionally to give my stomach a break (it has legumes, which often give me trouble). But, these are such an easy and quick way to refuel in that 30-min post-run window before I get a chance to have my real meal.

We got downtown at a little after 7am. My dad dropped my mom and I off and then went to park.

I joined my local running club for a photo at 7:40. It’s been a while since I joined them, but it was cool to see them and cheer them on to new PR’s!

The half started at 8:00, the 10k at 8:20, and the 5k at 8:40. We stood around chatting before it was time to go…I was absolutely freezing!

I regret the shorts big time. It was 37 degrees at the start this year (41 last year – those few degrees made a huge difference!). I couldn’t stop shaking! My dad was so nice and gave me his coat to try to keep warm. My mom let me use her gloves too since she had a coat she gave him just before we made it out into the starting area.

I only took a picture right at the beginning of the race on my GoPro because I didn’t want to risk dropping it and having to go back for it like I did last year 😂. Oops!

I felt pretty good until the hill around 5.15 miles in. It really slowed me down. But, I was grinning ear to ear when I saw my time at mile 5 and I realized I was going to beat my goal! That was enough for me to keep pushing! As far as hills go, there was 2 big-ish hills and one smaller one right at the end before you turn left to the finish line. But, overall gain was pretty low. So, it’s a great place for a PR! The other thing that could pose a challenge is towards the end when the 5k and 10k courses joined. It got a little congested. I was admittedly frustrated having to weave around small kids. I wish there was a way to avoid that. I don’t remember congestion being an issue in the half, so this was a bummer. But, I still beat my goal…so I can’t be too disappointed!

I was talking strategy with my mom before the race and I said, “I still don’t know if I should run conservatively the first half, then kick it up the last half?”. Her response made me 😅🤣😂😂. She suggested that I just run “balls out”. 😆🤷‍♀️ Well, I’m glad I took her advice, despite how the splits turned out.

Here’s my splits:

My dad got a video of me coming around the last corner before crossing the finish line.

I knew I was going to make it after I looked at my watch at mile 5, but I still couldn’t believe I was going to do it. I had been dreaming of it, visualizing it, and working my butt off for it for so long that it was overwhelming at the finish line!

Always have to do the post run watch shot!

Here’s the official stats:

Being that I’ve done the half and the 10k at this event, you know I’m curious how I’d do at the 5k! Hmmm….maybe next year.

Disclaimer

The content featured on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding athletics, nutrition, or medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.